What we control in life is limited to our own inner world. We do influence those around us, but how we do is not up to us. Resilience is the top predictor of a contented and peaceful existence, in spite of the influence of past experiences, current situational factors, and real future prospects. I want to help people find and build their inner core. When we feel grounded, balanced, and aware of the human chemistry around us, we can feel more confident navigating that space.
None of us have had an equal opportunity to develop this sense of inner strength because all our lives are unique. To focus on the injustice of this, to replay all the ways it could have turned out instead or to be involuntarily reminded of how it did happen, makes feeling strong, whole, and resilient difficult.
My approach
I strongly believe in the power of thoughts and that they create our reality. If thoughts, beliefs, and judgments were to disappear, life would become purely factual and essentially meaningless. This is not the nature of life, and I believe we all know this on an unspeakable level. Therefore, meaning lies within each one of us and is created by our inner world. If we can understand how to shape our inner world, judgment, and thoughts, why not choose those that are realistic, helpful, meaningful, gracious, and loving? When we can untangle this world, that’s when the inner and outer human chemistry of life changes.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Insightful awareness, perspective, and choices are essential to wellness. If you feel like you are losing control over your emotions and behaviors, if you feel like your relationships are draining or growing distant, if you feel like you are lost, resentful, fearful, or in despair, cognitive therapy can help. These are time-tested, evidence-based practices that are highly effective when clients, partnered with skilled clinicians, are open and ready for change. I’m passionate about helping clients turn on light bulbs in their own minds. Insight creates new awareness, which changes perspective and ultimately leads to new choices. This is what will ultimately change the human chemistry around you. For me, it is a beautiful, admirable, and humbling thing to witness.
While trying to process and reconstruct the inner world, there are also coping strategies that can help you through the process. Again, these are evidence-based practices that work. Finding the motivation to try them might be where we need to start. I will meet you wherever you’re at, and we can go from there. I want to hear your story, understand your perspective, envision what you want, and help you accomplish this within a judgment-free, genuine, accepting relationship.
Professional experience
For almost a decade before joining Sequim Counseling in 2022, I worked in an inpatient psychiatric facility for incarcerated individuals. (Prison Therapist) I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of diagnoses, most of which were with high-risk clients with so many layers of trauma, abuse and family dysfunction, that only long-term, intensive treatment could help. I feel that this experience has given me the treatment tools and compassion needed to work with clients from all walks of life and all phases of change.
My preferred treatment modalities are REBT, DBT and CBT. In the prison, I provided care for various mental health issues and conditions such as depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, self-harm and suicidality, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, attachment issues, substance abuse, adult antisocial behavior, impulse control, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I have worked with women who have been sex-trafficked or have trafficked others, experienced or perpetrated domestic violence and/or have cognitive difficulties due to brain injury or substance abuse. I have worked with resistant, involuntary clients with whom it has been my job to build rapport.
At Sequim Counseling, I have worked primarily with individuals seeking relief from PTSD or trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, stage of life challenges, fear of death/existential fears, suicidal feelings, career/job challenges, relationship issues, identity confusion/damaged self-image, Borderline Personality Disorder, dissociative symptoms, narcissistic abuse, navigating/creating boundaries with abusive family members, addictive or compulsive behaviors, divorce and attachment challenges.
LMSW #56773 LSWAIC #SC61256480
About me
As for me personally, I am not perfect and have my own struggles, as we all do. I do my best to implement what I know professionally, in my own life. The coping strategies I have found most relieving in my life have been being with others, art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, singing, walking meditation, and driving. Good ways for me to flow.